TWICMAR16

House bill aims to block under-the-radar campaign donations by way of large, donations to presidential libraries. Such donations would be prohibited while president is in office. Report HR 1254

Photo: Al Ahammous

Freedom Of Information Requests Process Clarified and Improved

Access is improved for individuals not aligned with news media and a tracking system is required allowing requesters to follow progress online. Report HR1309

Photo: Harry Piek

Government Whistleblowers Granted Broad Protection

Whistleblowers, those inside watchdogs often suffer reprisal rather than reward for their efforts. Government agency non-disclosure rules are prohibited. Report HR 985

Photo: Clarita

Government Contractors Face New Regulations Under Reform Bill

The main thrust of the bill is to limit use of non-competitive contracting procedures. Former government officials would be blocked from administrating some contracts. Report HR 1362

BILL AIMS TO REVERSE SECRECY OVER PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

To be repealed--the option allowing relatives of dead presidents to continue blocking public access to presidential records forever. Report HR 1255

PRESIDENT BUSH CONTINUES TO LIST IRAN AS NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT

EXEC Iran

VATICAN'S HOLY SEE GETS SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT ON UN ADMITTANCE

EXEC Vat

THE LONG STRANGE TRIP OF

SALAH CHOUDHURY

HRES 64

SENATE COMPLETED PASSAGE OF 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS

EXTENSIVE AMENDMENTS

S 4

Photo: Iraqi Troops (DoD)

SENATE RETURNS TO IRAQ DEBATE

Emphasis is on Setting Future U.S. Policy in Iraq

The Senate began consideration of SJR 9, a joint and binding resolution that expresses support for the troops, concludes that they should not be involved in a civil war and must be redeployed as of March 31, 2008. Only trainers, counter-terrorism task forces and protection for remaining troops and the Iraq infrastructure would remain. That resolution failed in a 48 to 50 vote. Report SJR 9

The Senate voted to pass SRES 107 96 to 2 a resolution that expresses support for the troops in battle and the continued healthcare when they return.

The Final vote was on a resolution SCR 20 that also fully supports the troops but does not include language addressing medical care after returning home. The resolution, not available at press time is for all extents identical in intent as the bill, S 641, from which it was drawn. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Gregg (R-NH) The Gregg resolution passed 82 to 16

Photo: Ken Keiser

STEEL INDUSTRY GAINS FROM FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP RESEARCH

Despite this program having expired in 1997 the House has continued to provide the Department of Energy with millions for research into the environmental damages from steel and other metals manufacturing.

Report HR1126

Photo: Darin Hester

SUPER COMPUTERS

FUNDED

U.S. spending on sophisticated computers hails back to the 1969 defense project that helped shape the Internet. These days there is an international race to have the computer capable of solving massive and complicated science, math and social problems.

Report HR 1068

ENERGY CENTERS WOULD SPREAD NEW TECH ENERGY SAVERS TO CONSUMERS AND CONTRACTORS

Report HR 85